Citizens of Altoona and surrounding areas can participate in a walk at People’s Natural Gas Field on Oct. 6 to memorialize their loved ones afflicted by Alzheimer’s and to raise money to find a cure.

Olivia Pethtel, the faculty advisor of SFU’s Alzheimer’s Awareness Club, and Karen Richtar, vice president of the club, will be taking a group of SFU students to participate in the walk.

“This is important for students to take part in because it impacts each and every individual,” said Richtar. “Many have lost a family member or friend to complications due to Alzheimer’s disease, and others have given up everything in order to become caretakers for these patients.”

The two-mile walk begins at 10:30 a.m. The Alzheimer’s Awareness Club has participated in the last three walks.

“I think it is important to support people who suffer from this disease and be a part of advancing the research in order to one day find a cure,” said Pethtel, an Assistant Professor of Psychology.

Alzheimer’s is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States. It can affect anyone.

The participants of the walk in Altoona have set a goal to raise $51,260 for people suffering and for funds toward the research for a cure.

“I wanted to be involved in this event and this club because I am passionate about raising the funds necessary to help further research for this devastating disease process,” said Richtar.

“Patients suffering from Alzheimer’s can lose so much of who they are and, to me, there is nothing more devastating for that individual and for their loved ones.”